Our Vicar, John Libby is Geordie born and bred. His background is in banking where he ended up looking after the global risk management of the money market operation (just ask!), living in Cambridge and California. He also led a CPAS Venture Team and out of that Team grew the Kepplewray Trust; John chairs the trustees of that charity with its focus on Inclusion and Disability. Having served his title at St Andrew’s, Enfield, John joined the staff team at Emmanuel, Northwood before coming to St James’s in 1996. John is married to Daphne and they have 3 teenagers(ish) – 1 boy and 2 others. He supports Newcastle (United and Falcons), now mainly from his armchair.
Eddie Scrase-Field joined us as Curate in July 2008 with his wife Hannah and baby Samuel, after finishing his training at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. This is his first job with a dog collar (has anyone seen him wear one yet?) and he’s likely to be with us for three or four years, poor man. He likes golf, cricket and fishing if he ever gets a spare moment.
Wendy Downey is our Parish Assistant. She is a local lass having lived in Denton Holme all her life and has been part of the church family since she was three. Before joining the staff team in September 2007 her background was also in banking (but nothing as grand as the vicar though!). From her early teens she’s enjoyed teaching and leading within Sunday School and Guiding and currently provides a friendly helping hand and listening ear with the Boys Brigade, Women’s Fellowship, Homegroups and several other groups within the church. If you can’t find her on the badminton court or in the local swimming pool, you may find her at the cricket cheering on her local team, the Durham Dynamos or enjoying the wide open spaces of the golf course (that’s watching though, not playing!)
Ben Mattinson is the youth worker here at St James’ church, Carlisle. He joined us in September 2007. Previously he’d been a member of Carlisle Christian Fellowship (just down the road!) all his life and had just completed a year helping out as Carlisle’s diosecan youth officer with local work before starting at St James’.
Ben’s role is made up mainly of work with young people aged 11-19. Much of the time this takes the form of cell groups and activities clubs which run on a weekly basis. Ben is also involved with two of the local primary schools, going in to give assemblies at the schools on a regular basis.
Ben’s interests include writing and playing music on his guitar, singing and listening to music. He also enjoys playing tennis at his local club despite the fact his younger brother seems to have no qualms about beating him hands down every time.
Kate Davidson is the children and family worker. Born and bred in Denton Holme, she has been involved in the Children’s work at St James for a few years before being given the opportunity to join the staff team in 2007 (mainly Wednesday’s and Thursday’s). Her main focus is with pre-school children and their families. When not at St James sh can be found in the City Library where she works part time in the Children’s Section.
She enjoys art and crafts (the messier the better) and watching most sports. She is a keen supporter of Man United (some of us do feel sorry for her) and Carlisle United (even more sorry depending on how they are doing this season!)
Joan White has been our verger for over 25 years and was working as cleaner even before that. (she currently continues in both roles) She is often found welcoming people on a Sunday morning, and occasionally in the church or the centre during the week. Joan also runs a Vestry Hour for those wishing to discuss baptisms and weddings, on a Monday evening. Joan is married to Reg and they have 3 sons and 4 grandchildren.
Mary Hetherington is our Administrator. She is also Carlisle born and bred, and has worshipped at St James since she was about 14. Over the years Mary has been involved with Sunday School, Mums & Toddlers and Music Group and has been PCC Secretary since 2002. Mary joined the staff team as full-time Administrator in September 2007. She is married to Colin and has 2 children (who aren’t really children any more!) Mary enjoys pottering about in gardens.
